Humanitarian Aid
Ongoing Quest to Locate VAQ-130 Aircrew Members
Search operations launched from NAS Whidbey Island continued throughout the night, focusing on a region 30 miles west of Yakima, Washington. The operations faced significant challenges due to the area’s rugged mountains, overcast skies, and poor visibility.
As of the morning of October 16, no signs of the missing crew or aircraft wreckage have been discovered.
Multiple units have been mobilized to aid in the search and rescue efforts. These include the U.S. Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46), NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue team, and the U.S. Army 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Authorities are still looking into what might have caused the aircraft to go down.
Updates will be provided as more information emerges.